Miranda Lambert Reflects on Her Journey in Country Music

Miranda Lambert believes her contributions to country music warrant greater recognition. Known for her hit, The House That Built Me, Lambert has experienced significant shifts in the genre since rising to fame as one of the few prominent women.

Challenges in a Male-Dominated Industry

In a recent Popcast episode, Lambert discussed the early 2000s, when emphasis was on appearance and style. She described this period as being about dressing and acting a certain way, while she identified herself more as a “gun-totin’ redneck.” Reflecting on this journey, Lambert emphasized the need to preserve her authentic self in an evolving landscape.

“Early 2000’s, that was kind of the thing,” Lambert shared. “It’s like, dress sexy, be sexy, be a pretty girl. And I was like, ‘I’m a gun-totin’ redneck,'”

After establishing herself in a male-dominated scene, she realized fellow artist Carrie Underwood joined her in navigating similar challenges.

Surviving a Lopsided Genre

During the 2010s, Lambert noted a scarcity of female artists alongside Underwood. Both singers faced an industry heavily populated by male artists for about seven years.

“There were no females at all,” Lambert said. “Carrie Underwood and I made it through pretty much a solid at least 7 years of only guy artists.”

Lambert also mentioned that balance has improved in recent years. The evolution of music consumption has allowed for more inclusivity and diversity in artists.

“Now, I feel like, it is really balanced. I think a lot of that has to do with the way music is consumed and there’s finally room for every damn body,” Lambert expressed.

Recognition for Resilience

Lambert believes the struggle against gender imbalance was worth it. She and Underwood shared rare moments of camaraderie when attending each other’s shows, underscoring the rarity of female artists performing together.

“Carrie and I went to each other’s residencies in Vegas,” Lambert recounted, “first of all her show is incredible, and we had never seen each other.”

The singer appreciates the broader opportunities now available, acknowledging that diverse voices in country music can finally be heard. While acknowledging that not every voice resonates with everyone, she values the expanded platform.

“I feel like all the voices can be heard,” Lambert declared. “You don’t have to love them all, but at least there’s a way to hear them.”